University News

Soul Greats "The MGs" Will Receive Creative Achievement Award June 22
For release: June 6, 2007
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The University of Memphis’ College of Communication and Fine Arts will salute three great talents in soul music at this year’s Distinguished Achievement Award in the Creative and Performing Arts. The award will go the MGs of Booker T. & the MGs fame – Steve Cropper, Donald “Duck” Dunn, and the late Al Jackson – at a luncheon June 22 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at Charles Vergos Rendezvous in Downtown Memphis.

“Two years ago we were very pleased to honor Booker T. Jones with the Distinguished Achievement Award in the Creative and Performing Arts,” said Dr. Richard Ranta, dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts. “This year, during the celebration of 50 years of Stax Records’ influence on soul music, we complete the process by honoring the other principal musicians who are forever linked to Booker and Stax, the MGs.

“It is the sound of Steve Cropper, Donald “Duck” Dunn and Al Jackson until his death in 1975 that not only defined the MGs, but was also the heart of so many recordings coming out of Stax, and that made Booker T. and the MGs the brightest star of R&B bands. It also led to Steve and Duck’s entertaining another generation as long-standing members of the Blues Brothers Band.”

The menu includes ribs, barbecue sandwiches and all the “fixins.” Seating is limited, and tickets are $30 per person. For reservations, call 901/678-5085 or 901/678-4372.